Friday, January 11, 2019

Singapore postpones joint ministerial committee talks on Iskandar after Johor chief minister’s intrusion into its territorial waters
Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-malaysia-postpones-joint-ministerial-committee-pedoman-11114200

 (Updated: )
Ricky Lim
Actually, using softpower is more effective than using military power.

What hurt Malaysia most is their Economy and Finance.

By shrinking Investment, Trade and Tourism - will hurt their Economy and Finance - and bring better result.
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Ricky Lim
Japanese bank Nomura has downgraded Malaysian shares, saying the new government's lack of "significant reform push" could lead to a worsening fiscal position and a possible slip in credit ratings.

--- This will increase borrowing costs for Malaysia - and will further impact their Economy and Finance.
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Ricky Lim
The approval rating of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his government has dropped rapidly, largely due to the people’s disappointment with the government’s failure to reduce higher cost of living and fulfilling election promises, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s Rafizi Ramli.

According to opinion polls cited by Mr Rafizi, Dr Mahathir’s approval rating as the prime minister has plunged to 53 per cent in the past six months, down 19 per cent from the 72 per cent approval rating in June.

“There is a consistent 20 per cent drop across all races — Malays (from 66 per cent to 45 per cent), Chinese (from 87 per cent to 65 per cent) and Indians (from 84 per cent to 64 per cent),” he said in a statement posted on his website on Wednesday (Dec 19).
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Thus the more we use softpower to :-
(1) We shrink our investment with Malaysia. (US$26 billion or RM$109.9 billion)
(2) We buy more agricultural goods from other Countries than Malaysia. (RM$2 billion)
(3) We reduce and refrain from spending our money in shopping, dining and recreation (S$16.6 billion or RM$50 billion)
(4) Firefly lose RM$20 million a month due to Seletar Airport suspension

They will bring better result by hurting their finance and economy --- than using military force.

Their people will deal with their Government for hurting bilateral relationship with us.

We should use softpower not only subtly, but also intelligently.
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Ricky Lim
(1) Malaysia fiscal budget is in deficit at -3% of GDP last year - and every year more than -3%.

This means that Malaysia have to borrow to sustain their government spendings year after year.
With slipping credit ratings - which mean higher financial risk - their borrowing cost go up --- and will further strain the debt burden of Malaysia.

(2) Malaysia sovereign fund - realisable asset value is only - RM157.2 billion (2017).
But its debt is RM$1 trillion to RM$720 billion.
Its debt interest is RM$26.6 billion per year

Its sovereign fund cannot cover its whole debt - only a fraction of the debt.

(3) Malaysia Trade Surplus Smallest in 3 Months

Malaysia's trade surplus narrowed sharply to MYR 7.6 billion in November of 2018 from MYR 9.9 billion in the same month of the prior year.

---
Singaporeans now you can see that Malaysia Economy and Finance are plummeting --- and are in a bad shape and is gettting from bad to worse.

So we should use softpower to make Malaysia back down in confronting us.

It will be more effective - as if their finances break --- their Economy will go into a tailspin -- and their people will cry blood at their confrontational style with us that hurt their Economy badly.

So Singaporeans must be patient, while we should deploy softpower to deal with the orang tua and this Johor MB that display hostility at us.

We should use military power as a backup to be used only - when their hostility turn bolder.
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Masa Soh Mengming
That will only push Bolehland into desperation. They will cause more trouble to distract their "rakyat" from their problems. This is not good.
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Ricky Lim
Masa Soh Mengming - They are already in desperation now. Just look at the orang tua approval rating --- it fall by 20% across the board in all races.

(1) China is not letting go their projects - and are demanding the orang tua to pay compensation.

(2) their debt keep going up

(3) the cut in tax and the freebies they give to their people - further deplete their finances.

(4) their economy is already slowing down

-- that is why the orang tua are creating problem for us --- to distract attention.

We should retaliate with softpower - as they irritate us --- and not sit back and do nothing.
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Ricky Lim
If we fire at the intruding ships ---- we are in fact helping him as it will invoke nationalism.

But if we use softpower to hit the orang tua finances and economy - their people will feel the hit and get back at orang tua --- for damaging our bilateral business ties.

We cannot reward the orang tua for provoking us ---- we must punish and not reward them.
Hurting its pocket - where they feel the most pain - is the best retaliation --- until and unless they stop their provocation.

Using military power is our last resort.

I can see that many Singaporeans wanted stronger measures (including the use of military force) --- but the outcomes will not be good - only instant gratification and "shiok" feelings.

Softpower is more subtle - but more effective.
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Xavi Yogi
Ricky Lim

your idea of using softpower is very diplomatic and righteous, and the economic figures u stated r impressive ... hopefully r accurate :)

but unfortunately singapore has lost its standing in the region, other countries have grown n strengthen while singapore stagnated, mismanaged by 3g n 4g over the years ....sadly ,,, like father unlike son ..... recruited all yes-man , weak n without gumption .... future is bleaked

ps abolish absd n tdsr, stop artificially controlling free market, if singaporean all feel rich again, economy will start growing 5 6 % , and singapore can regain back its standing in the region n the world!
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Ricky Lim
Xavi Yogi - i think you may not have a good understand of our Economy.
(1) We in fact are the 3rd richest Country in the World - per Capita GDP.
(2) We have very deep reserves - more than many Big Developed Countries.
(3) We are 2nd most militarised Nation in the World (Compiled by BICC, the Global Militarization Index (gmi)
(4) Our Economic growth of 3.3% is higher than many Developed Countries economic growth (you should not be comparing to the growth of developing Countries) - our growth has surpass this stage of developing Countries growth.


Developed Countries - means almost every aspect of the Economic industrial sectors have been fully developed.
On average, the developed Countries growth are between 1% - 3% - and 3% is consider high growth for a Developed Country.

In developed Countries - even 1% growth is very significant - because all your resources are fully working with little slack - but yet still can bring additional growth.
If you say as Singapore is a Developed Country - and can grow at 5% to 6% --- Economist will say you "bull shit - and won't believe you" - because your production capacity (manpower, automation, tools, machinery, digital, robotics etc) has been max out - then how to produce such a high growth --- defying economic logic.

For developing Countries - many economic industrial sectors have not been fully developed or not developed --- and thus high growth of 4% and above is possible due to its low cost base.


Also many people are in kampong, villages, rural area, automation, tools machinery, IT etc are not utilised - thus there are many slacks.
So if work are introduced for Developing Countries - growth will be high - as there are many slacks.
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Breeke Lo
Ricky Lim balls also developed? 😂
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Breeke Lo
Ricky Lim our economic success today is in a v big part owing to foreign talents and investments. The bigger that dependancy, the more our hands are tied when it comes to responding to direct, guerilla style of threats like this intrusion - FTs and foreign companies will leave in droves at the first sign of instability.

Our biggest asset is also our biggest vulnerability. DrM knows this full well. His strategy is plain and predictable .. rock vs procelain .. who w win? An economic success that cannot be defended, still can call it a success?
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Xavi Yogi
Ricky Lim

what's the use of all your superficial data when your citizen is ranked low in happiness index? u should go to the ground to feel the resentments .... the poor, the middle class, even the wealthy r all complaining, ... the future is not promising if u r being led on a path to the abyss
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Ricky Lim
Xavi Yogi and Breeke Lo - a simple answer to your respond.

We do what is right and wise, not do what is rash and popular but bring unintended consequences.
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Ricky Lim
Malaysian newspaper The Star on Saturday cited sources as saying Malaysia's participation in JMCIM, which is supposed to be held next Monday in Singapore, is now in limbo and the meeting could be postponed.

The committee was set up in 2007 to study how both neighbours can work together in the South Johor economic zone of Iskandar.

The Malaysian delegation at this year's meeting was supposed to have been led by Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali, Johor Mentri Besar Osman Sapian and other Johor state leaders.

According to an official source who could not be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, Mr Osman's presence on the vessel was not sanctioned by the federal government.
"He was told not to do it, yet he went ahead anyway," the source said.
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Breeke Lo
Ricky Lim i believe no one here wants something not right and not wise to be done, nor wants bad consequences. U can be assured everyone is on the same page on this aspect. Where ppl differ, is on what constitutes right and wise. That's where the discussion should be focused on. Right?
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Ricky Lim
Breeke Lo - Everyone is entitle to their viewpoints and ideas.

How the Government respond - will be contingent on what is the best way forward (bearing in mind that the Government will have more information than us plus they will have communication channel with our antagonist.) - that determine their actions and response.

One thing for sure is that, we are not afraid to take decisive actions when the need arise - one good example is that - we almost take actions (this is communicated to the other side).

The antagonist immediately post in his facebook we are twin and they immediately issue statement to de-escalate and they indeed pull back many of their vessels and arrange for talk.

But in this current situation, other avenues should be put to work (instead of military action). By putting off the Iskandar meeting for economic cooperation - send the signal that we will not want economic ties - if they continue hostility ---- which is an effective and appropriate measure.


Iskandar economic zone benefit Malaysia more than us - because if investors come in - it will create business and jobs for Malaysia (though of course we also benefits through our investment) - but at the current climate that is mark with hostility - we should not proceed. This will hurt Malaysia more than us - as their Economy and Finance are deteriorating. For us, we can put investment elsewhere that have friendly relationship with us.
Currently, we are their 3rd largest investor - and if we freeze investment in Malaysia - it will hurt them more.


China being Malaysia largest investor - also freeze their investment as Malaysia cancel a few of China projects. China also demanding compensation from Malaysia for breaching the contracts.

Thus Malaysia FDI is in a limbo - offending China (1st largest investor) and Singapore (3rd largest investor).

This Johor MB try to be hero - as he was told not to board the vessel by the Federal - but he defy the order.
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Breeke Lo
Ricky Lim i am of the view our side is stuck between a rock and a hard place. We have structured our economy in such a vulnerable manner that makes any form of confrontation by force not an option for us.

My previous comment explains why:

Ricky Lim our economic success today is in a v big part owing to foreign talents and investments. The bigger that dependancy, the more our hands are tied when it comes to responding to direct, guerilla style of threats like this intrusion - FTs and foreign companies will leave in droves at the first sign of instability.

Our biggest asset is also our biggest vulnerability. DrM knows this full well. His strategy is plain and predictable .. rock vs procelain .. who w win? An economic success that cannot be defended, still can call it a success?
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Paul Tan
Ricky Lim with 1 out of every 3 persons is a foreigner in Singapore, we simply cannot go to war. We have no idea who are our enemy around us and who are they loyal to. In chaotic situation, our arm forces alone could not control the situation internally in Singapore as well as fight the war outside.
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Xavi Yogi
Ricky Lim

all this talks of war r just rhetoric, nobody wants a war n nobody win in war, although the saf's better trained forces and deadlier firepower will easily decimate until the malaysia thai border in matter of days

another commenter put it simply : "There is cautious behavior, then there is simply being too afraid to defend your sovereign rights."

if most singaporeans r like u only know how to articulate using of softpower, better surrender your sovereignty and become malaysian again !

but i am hopeful most around me and commenters here r prepared n not afraid to fight for our sovereignty when aggressor has basically "crossed the line" !

Ricky ... which military camp were u from?
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K Tan Don
Ricky Lim : you got it very wrong..the Johor MB is not trying to be a hero..he is a
total idiot who mess it up..it’s unfortunate our hard fought state is managed by an idiot
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Ricky Lim
K Tan Don - At least you realise that confrontation and conflict will harm both ways.
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Xavi Yogi
Ricky Lim

all this talks of war r just rhetoric, nobody wants a war n nobody win in war, although the saf's better trained forces and deadlier firepower will easily decimate until the malaysia thai border in matter of days

another commenter put it simply : "There is cautious behavior, then there is simply being too afraid to defend your sovereign rights."

if most singaporeans r like u only know how to articulate using of softpower, better surrender your sovereignty and become malaysian again !

but i am hopeful most around me and commenters here r prepared n not afraid to fight for our sovereignty when aggressor has basically "crossed the line" !

Ricky ... which military camp were u from?
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Ricky Lim
Xavi Yogi - You are entitled to your own opinion - and I am entitle to mine.

So far I concur with our Government actions.
We have a long runway - and we have plenty of times and resources to deal with them.

I suggest you read up about more on ancient art of war.

Your opinion is similar to what happen in middle east - total destruction, death and human sufferings.
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Zhang Jin
our submarines for fun show ka ?
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Kelvin Leow
Decisive decision must be with wisdom not emotions
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Xavi Yogi
Kelvin Leow
Indecisiveness is making a mockery of 2 years of national service and billions $ in defence budget and minister's renumeration !!
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Henry Lee
As usual they are just for wayang.can't expect much from these boh lumpard people.
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Breeke Lo
Kelvin Leow if got wisdom, the vessels would be out long ago. If not for emotion (yes, fear is an emotion), the vessels would be out long ago.
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Richie Man
hi singapore i am from malaysia .the best country in thr world
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Ray Teo
good luck to u
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Wu Jimmy
Ray Teo like the bible said.....everything will come to pass......this is jihad for intrusion into a peace loving SINGAPORE.
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Tan Koo Koo
Good for you Richie. Best is what you perceived and claimed. Your new gov isnt really better than the previous. I wouldn't be rejoicing so soon if I'm a Malaysian.

Good luck to you guys. U need it.
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Tan Koo Koo
I'm not implying Sg is better. Each side has their own strengths/goodness and weakness.
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Breeke Lo
U mean the country w the best prata in the world? Agree! 😂😂
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Chen Chengming
Ok best joke of 2019 already
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Gabriel Ng
You must be kidding; or self deceiving
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Jm Chow
Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM)..is for the sole purpose.... " reviewing the progress of economic cooperation in Iskandar Malaysia"...(a venue for Singapore to help the Malaysian Iskandar project.)

JMCIM is NOT an arena to be used by Dr M for his fight with Singapore.

It is wise for Singapore to suspend JMCIM ...until Dr M leave office or until Dr M's passing.
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Kok Jin Li
Well said and I totally agree with you. As long as the willy old fox is in charge, the trouble with MY will never end. The fact is, more and more trouble will surface in the days to come. Unfortunately, despite the notorious traffic jams, thousands of Singaporeans still travel daily to JB for their shopping thus helping to enrich such an unfriendly country.
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Xavi Yogi
don't always put the blame on the other side, self reflect .... if your own house is sturdy and in good order, all this saga will just be an ant biting .... easily squash !!
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Stanley Chee
I rather u hire more ppl at malaysia 2nd link as custom officer
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Tun Osman
You n your selfishness.
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Valen Chen Tany
Karmic retribution.. bullying own citizens and gotten bullied in return by our big brother neighbor.... 14 violations!! time to kick some asses. Lol
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Wan Wan
Well said. Dr M aka Lion King just sent one of his cubs on board Pedoman to look see look see, our Ministers instantly reacted by canceling the JMCIM meeting which is scheduled to be held on 14 Jan 2019. Looks like Lion King is enjoying how our so-called $millions Ministers play chess with him.
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Breeke Lo
Wan Wan big brother tickle small brother giggle
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Anonei Antunei
Wan Wan Lion's King😂😂.. look more of an old snake.
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Tun Osman
Tany chen valen, what are you braying about ?
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Tommie Vale
Just wait for the old fool to die when the time comes.
No hurry. Malaysians also hate the old man now. Broke his promises and can't deliver his party slogans for Malaysian.
It's just a diversion tactic from the real issues in Malaysian politics.
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K Tan Don
Hello, it is Johor MB looking for trouble..not Tun..kindly complain to Johor ruler or TMJ..don bark at the wrong tree, please
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K Tan Don
Show prove Malaysians hate Tun..
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Breeke Lo
K Tan Don The 5 govt vessels sent by Johor MB or Tun?
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Tun Osman
K Tan Don gundu ! You're one of them that hate madey during najibur klepto govern.
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo ; it is best to complain to the Johor ruler..so that his highness can ask his naughty MB to stay away..
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K Tan Don
Tun Osman : for God sake, I support Tun since the day he agree to form alliance with PH. I always condemn Najib n sometimes Anwar.. never Tun..don make silly accusations
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo : only the daddy can order the silly MB to stay away..honestly I also don like this latest saga
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Breeke Lo
Wonder what is the 3rd step? Set foot on Tuas extension claiming reclamation was in MY waters? Please act wisely. Giving free passes for Step 1 and Step 2 is NOT wise.
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K Tan Don
Complain to Johor ruler pls, told u guys thousand times
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Tan Koo Koo
K Tan Don dont be silly. U think TMJ bothers about man on the street complaining?

On e other hand, the TMJ isnt endorsing what the gov is doing and repeatedly said these matters are between Johor and Sg and they are not willing to make silly sacrifices to the good relationship enjoyed on both sides for 200 years.
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Breeke Lo
K Tan Don are you saying our Foreign ministry should maintain 13 (state govt) + 9 (rulers) + 1 (federal govt) diplomatic channels? Total 23 lines of communication? U think it's workable?
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo : u only need to deal with an idiot MB.. we acknowledge he is an idiot
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K Tan Don
Tan Koo Koo : u don’t want to complain that’s yr business.,the temple is near, u dont go to visit
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo : well did u ever try? No then dont say it wont work..complain to the daddy, not the son, hor..
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Breeke Lo
K Tan Don there needs to be a formal diplomatic channel in place first, thus my earlier qn
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo :: u guys already done that already lah..no? Time to seek the Johor ruler’s help
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo :: we tell u the Johor MB is screwing u n our federal government
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K Tan Don
Breeke Lo : one thing for sure, when the Johor ruler gets upset, the Johor clowns will shiver..
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Masa Soh Mengming
K Tan Don I think Sultan Ibrahim is really considering seceding from Bolehland and merging with Singapore. He appears to be alright with us managing his sultanate too! Maybe if that comes to pass, our disputes will come to an end.
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K Tan Don
Masa Soh Mengming ; u n your stupid dream
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Paul Tan
Still dreaming of a "win-win" relationship? I think Malaysia this time is more strategic than us. This is what the chinese say 一不做,二不休. They won't stop! Our million dollar ministers are out-smart by these ministers from the third world country who receive peanuts.
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Francis Ong
What a joke! Our liars leaders told everyone that they have very "successful" talk with their Malaysia counterparts.. Immediate this happened. It is a real smack to this useless "leaders" that only talk air and many times, I wonder did the sounds comes out from the mouth or from the part where the sun don't shine.
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Tan Koo Koo
Theres no need to be overly diplomatic when the other side is pushing their luck. Time to send our Navy
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Tan Koo Koo
And bring this matter to international tribunal
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Xavi Yogi
Tan Koo Koo
no use going to tribunal ... they will just give some favour to each side and make both side not lose face .... just like the pedra branca case .... not really fair , but singapore as a small dot just must swallow
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Li Ren Zeng
Maybe we have to build a wall around our waters soon
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Niko Nishi
When the Johor chief minister intruded into our water and wayang about it on fb, Singaporeans should have more dignity and not be swayed by the cheaper petrol, food, and shopping over at JB but boycott it. Maybe we should also not supply more treated water to JB than what they are entitled to buy from us.
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Eddie Lim
Old snake must die asap....
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K Tan Don
U are cursing the wrong guy..the one leading latest show is the Johor MB
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Xavi Yogi
K Tan Don

the one who started all this snakeshit came from the head, if the snake head didnt turn the tail wont swagger, the snake head must be chop !!
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K Tan Don
Xavi Yogi ; this is where you need to revise your thinking..a lot of issues are created by state government, but our federal government will have to support eventually
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Breeke Lo
BROTHER! Wake up!!
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Gw Chua
Cannot be trusted.. Should consider build wall
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John Sean
Use our sub to monitor and blow up the maritime vessel or any instrustion
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Anthoni Raj
Everyday grumble about intrusion but no firm action taken on our part. This has only encourage them and show our weakness.I am not suggesting war but why our navy can't stop such intrusions from happening.
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Wan Wan
Our navy is supposed to be the most advanced and equipped outfit in this part of SE Asia. On its own, no one, NOT even the Navy Indian Chief dares to FIRE the 1st shot! Think this also applied to the Minister of Defence. So WHO should order to fire that 1st vital shot. Previously, a lot of THREAT by our $millions Ministers to take FIRM action against intrusion into our territorial waters, followed by asking citizen to UNITE and face the enemy. Dr M just took those empty threats as HOT AIR and proceeds to show who has the UPPER HAND : a 93 year Grand old man Vs a host of World Class Ministers!
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Unker Will
Instead of de-escalating the situation as agreed by both Foreign Ministers, Malaysia now up the tension to another nautical level with this latest happening. It is quite obvious the Malaysian does not want to end all these in any time soon. As such, any further talks with Malaysia and forming Working Group to discuss would be futile and a waste of time until the top guns in Malaysia make it clear what their real intentions are, Meantime, they are just toying with Singapore and making a fool of all our people.
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Eric Foo
They have a coming by-election for Cameron Highlight seat. PH is hoping Singapore will act rashly thus helping them to galvanise the votes. This result of this election will show whether PH's honeymoon is over. So wait till its over.
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Alan Tyc
some say singapore response is reserved, some say is a joke. Served army to protect the country...we have close to 500k ~ 800k reserved. Law can only enforce if people respect it; talk can go only so much; If others cut water, cut air, cut everything...what economy are you protecting? paper tiger, paper general...what next? If the Govt can't protect the citizen interest, pehaps we should bringing in the Chinese rather than to live under M threat.
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Tiger Yan
Every year Sg train up so many armies....it is the time for the armies to show their colour to Msia. It's time to conquer Johor State now.
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